Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Director Jonathan L. Green's production (using a translation by David Tushingham) has its arch spots where it feels as if we're dancing on the edge of comic parody of bad collegiate drama, but some of that is intentionally and, overall, the show generally has its collective head well screwed into place. This amount of choral speaking is tough to pull off, but these actors manage it with considerable flourish, teasing out the contemporary juice. And with the help of the designer Joe Schermoly, they have quite the lovely sand pit in which to play, replete with a Prairie style wooden structure."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The cast forms a seamless ensemble, with notably compelling work by Cody Proctor as Idomeneus, Joey deBettencourt as his son, Susaan Jamshidi as his wife, Hank Hilbert as her perverted older lover, McKenzie Chinn as Electra and Kyra Morris as part of the chorus. Designer Joe Schermoly’s remarkable thrust-style set is a great promontory of sand, with a sweeping wall of curved wood planking suggesting the walls of a ship and the waves at sea."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Featuring a cast of 15, Jonathan Green's U.S. premiere production for Sideshow Theatre Company is marked by an arresting and skillful use of choral speaking, stylized ensemble movement, and striking visual and sound design."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...The tale of King Idomeneus is not an A-list Greek myth. In the Avengers-like supergroup that made up the heroes of the Trojan War, Idomeneus is most definitely Hawkeye. How lucky he must feel then, to receive a truly A-list production like the one that Sideshow Theatre has created at the DCA Storefront. Their production of German playwright Roland Schimmelpfennig's “Idomeneus,” directed by Jonathan L. Green, is visually stunning and intellectually rich: a deconstruction of mythmaking that still nonetheless feels classically epic. Even for those who don’t know the story of Idomeneus, (which is most people) the plot will seem familiar."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The script’s loose structure affords a great deal of leeway in production, and director Jonathan L. Green and Sideshow’s creative team cook up a stylishly stylized U.S. premiere. A diverse cast of 15, smartly outfitted by costume designer Kristin DeiTos in fashions suggesting any era and none, gracefully shares duties in recounting Idomeneus’ variegated but seemingly unavoidable tragedy."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"... It is part war between nations ans part war between reason and superstition. Idomeneus is a most compelling and interesting dramatic experience. The sheer stylistic approach with the expert movement and synchronized speak adds a layer of interest that carries us through the complex story. Cory Proctor and Joey deBettencourt anchor the talented ensemble. Using the unique approach to telling a Greek myth work here. The adventurous deftly explores how a community tells a story even with contradictions and disagreements. Director Green may have found how to tell a convoluted Greek myth in a way that hooks audiences and keeps them involved throughout. This is a worthy hour of creative theatre."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"... But before that stark conclusion the cast (and the crowd) rush through a roller coaster of playful possibilities. Conflicting explanations or accounts combat for our credibility. Before the hour is out “Idomeneus” turns a tad too clever for its own good, self-defeatingly kaleidoscopic in its ceaseless presentation of permutations. No one (part of plot) stands out here because the script won’t spare any single scenario from its tyranny of guesswork. But it's a terrific story, even if this overly generous script provides too many variations to choose from."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...Playwright Roland Schimmelpfennig, translated by David Tushingham, has cleverly captured a Greek tale. Schimmelpfennig serves more as a composer than writer in this lyrical verse. And Green picks up the baton and becomes the conductor. Green thoughtfully assigns the parts. He mixes voice type and shifts gender roles for an interesting and vigorous opus. Oh my gods, IDOMENEUS is a one-of-a-kind magnificent sonnet."
Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"... I certainly don’t want to put a damper on the skills of these actors, but unless you are into Greek Tragedy, you might want to look elsewhere for your theatrical experiences. I do think the ensemble is energetic and talented, but the story is not for everyone and there are a number of “F” word references, so bear that in mind when making your choices."
